Whisky is one of the most versatile spirits around. Whether you’re sipping it neat, experimenting with mixers, or shaking up a cocktail, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it. But if you’re not sure what to drink with whisky, you’ve come to the right place.

From classic pairings like soda water and ginger ale, to more unexpected combos like matcha or sparkling wine, we’ve broken down all the best ways to mix, serve and enjoy your dram.

Let’s begin with the basics. If you’re drinking a quality whisky, sometimes the best thing you can do is let it shine on its own.

Neat – This is whisky in its purest form. No ice, no water, no distractions. Ideal for when you want to experience the full depth of flavour.

On the rocks – Adding a few ice cubes cools your drink and slowly dilutes it, softening some of the more intense flavours. Try The Glenlivet’s Founder’s Reserve on the rocks for a smooth, chilled take on your dram.

With water – Just a few drops can open up hidden flavours in your whisky, especially if it’s high in ABV. It’s a trick many whisky lovers swear by.

If you’re after something lighter or more refreshing, a mixer is a great place to start. These drinks are simple to pour and easy to pair, making them ideal for casual sipping or laid-back evenings.

Soda water – Crisp, clean and refreshing. It lets the whisky flavour come through while softening the alcohol. Try it in a classic Scotch and Soda highball with a twist of citrus.

Ginger ale or ginger beer – A go-to for a reason. The spice from ginger blends beautifully with whisky’s warmth. For a sharper hit, try a Scotch Whisky Mule with ginger beer and lime.

Lemonade – Sweet, fizzy, and incredibly drinkable. Lemonade cuts through whisky’s richness and adds a bright citrus note.

Coke – A crowd-pleaser, especially when you’re using a whisky with honeyed, caramel notes. Smooth, sweet and always reliable.

Citrus juices – Lemon, grapefruit, even a splash of orange juice can completely change the profile of your drink. Explore this combo in a Grapefruit Paloma for a punchy, zesty mix.

Elderflower cordial – Light and floral, this mixer pairs surprisingly well with whisky. Try it in an Elderflower Collins for a modern, elegant twist.

Apple cider – Warm or cold, this is a great option in autumn and winter. Sweet, spiced and made for seasonal sipping, our Whisky Apple Cider Punch is also a perfect crowd pleaser.

There’s no shortage of classic whisky cocktails, each with its own character. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold or something refreshing, there’s a serve to suit.

Whisky Sour – A balance of sweet and sharp made with whisky, lemon juice, and sugar. Try the classic Whisky Sour recipe or make it your own with our top Sour variations.

Old Fashioned – A classic for a reason. Just whisky, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist. Strong, smooth and endlessly sippable. Get our ultimate Old Fashioned recipe.

Manhattan – Rye whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters combine for a rich, slightly herbal cocktail. Try The Glenlivet’s take using scotch and sweet cherries in the Maraschino Cherry Manhattan.

Mint Julep – Bourbon, sugar and mint served over crushed ice. Fresh and cooling, a Whisky Mint Julep is a summer staple.

Highball – Simple, fizzy and endlessly customisable. Typically made with fizzy soda water, you can mix up a highball however you like. Try our Umeshu Highball for a sweet, plum twist.

Rusty Nail – A blend of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, this drink is smooth and a little bit sweet with a honeyed finish.

Irish Coffee – This classic post-dinner drink is warm and rich. But for extra comfort, give it a Scotch twist with our Scotch Whisky Coffee recipe.

Hot Toddy – Ideal for cold nights or when you need something soothing. Whisky, honey, lemon and warm spices. Try our Hot Toddy recipe for a cosy autumnal fix.

Whisky Smash – Mint, lemon and sugar shaken with whisky makes for a bold but balanced cocktail. Here’s how to make a Scotch Whisky Smash. There’s also plenty of Smash variations to try.